Electrical Connector Staggered Terminal Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed backplane electrical connectors struggle to transmit differential signals at speeds above 25 Gbps due to inadequate shielding, leading to significant crosstalk and signal interference.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design incorporates a unique arrangement of terminals with staggered distances and mechanical/electrical connections between ground and signal terminals, along with a shielding sheet, to reduce crosstalk and enhance signal stability, allowing for transmission speeds up to 112 Gbps or higher.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If terminals are arranged in a staggered pattern without metal shielding, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but crosstalk increases and transmission speed is limited to lower rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground terminals as intermediary elements positioned between signal terminals. These ground terminals act as shields that redirect electromagnetic interference away from signal paths, reducing crosstalk without requiring complex metal shielding structures. The ground terminals serve as a mediator that protects signal integrity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional staggered terminal arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by positioning ground terminals at different heights (first plane for signal terminals, second plane for ground terminals). This vertical dimensionality change creates natural shielding without adding horizontal complexity, reducing crosstalk while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Ease of manufacture
If ground terminals are positioned in the same plane as signal terminals, then manufacturing is simpler, but shielding effect is insufficient for high-frequency signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions ground terminals in a second plane vertically offset from the first plane where signal terminals are located. This vertical separation creates an electromagnetic shield that effectively blocks high-frequency interference without complicating the manufacturing process. The three-dimensional arrangement provides superior shielding compared to coplanar configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite terminal structure where signal terminals and ground terminals are integrated into a unified connector assembly with distinct spatial zones. This composite arrangement combines signal transmission functionality with electromagnetic shielding in a single manufactured component, achieving both reliability and ease of manufacture.
3Manufacturing precision
If equal distance is maintained between all terminal pairs, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but crosstalk reduction is insufficient for high-speed transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the distance between adjacent terminal pairs varies deliberately. Signal terminals are positioned with specific spacing optimized for signal integrity, while ground terminals are positioned to maximize shielding effectiveness. This asymmetric arrangement reduces crosstalk more effectively than uniform spacing while remaining manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spacing principles to different terminal types: signal terminals use optimized spacing for transmission performance, while ground terminals use spacing optimized for shielding. Each terminal type is positioned with local quality tailored to its specific function, achieving superior crosstalk reduction without excessive manufacturing complexity.
4Device complexity
If traditional staggered terminal arrangement is used, then device complexity is low, but transmission speed is limited and cannot achieve 56 Gbps or higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground terminals as intermediary shielding elements that protect signal paths from electromagnetic interference. This mediation enables high-speed signal transmission by maintaining signal integrity, allowing the connector to achieve 56 Gbps and higher transmission rates without excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions to a three-dimensional terminal arrangement with ground terminals in a second plane, creating vertical shielding that reduces crosstalk. This dimensional change enables high-frequency signal transmission at 56 Gbps and above while maintaining relatively simple device structure and manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes: an insulating housing; and plural terminals held in the insulating housing and arranged in terminal pairs, each of the terminals including: a holding portion held in the insulating housing; a cantilever extending forward from the holding portion, a slot being provided on the cantilever; a contact portion at a front of the cantilever; and a mounting portion for mounting on a circuit board; wherein the slot extends to the contact portion; and in each terminal pair, a first distance from a center of the contact portion of one terminal thereof to a center of the contact portion of the other terminal thereof is less than a second distance from a center of the mounting portion of one terminal thereof to a center of the mounting portion of the other terminal thereof.